The European Commission says the EU’s new digital border system, known as the Entry/Exit System, became operational on 12 October 2025 and is now fully in place at external border crossing points. The system applies to non-EU travellers entering or leaving the EU for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Where the system is already in use, travellers have their passport data, biometric data and entry or exit data recorded electronically. The biometric information includes a facial image and fingerprints, and the registration is done at first entry and first exit.
After that initial registration, later crossings require only a fast verification rather than repeating the full process. The Commission says the new setup replaces the manual stamping of passports and is designed to meet high standards of data protection and privacy.
The rollout was gradual, with EU countries able to decide when and where to begin deploying it at border crossings during the transition period. The Commission said this approach was meant to help border authorities, the transport industry and travellers adapt smoothly.
The Commission also said travellers affected by the new rules can find detailed information before entering the Schengen area on the Official Travel Europe website. It says the new system makes border control more secure, more efficient and more convenient for people coming in and out of the EU.